Data Blog

Suicide is a significant public health issue. The grief and trauma associated with suicide produce long-term costs to society and devastating effects on families, friends and communities. Suicide is a complex problem involving biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors; yet is preventable by knowledge, care and compassion.

If you or anyone you know needs to talk to someone, please contact a call centre in Canada near you, or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

65+

>3,000,000

Over 3,300,000 Canadians 15 years or older say they have had thoughts of suicide in their lifetime. [CCHS – MH, 2012]

$3 billion

In 2010, the total economic burden of suicide and self-harm in Canada was estimated at $3 billion dollars. [Parachute]

Self-inflicted injury can range from non-suicidal self-injury (e.g. cutting, self-harming without intent to die), to suicidal attempts and suicide. Hospitalizations associated with self-inflicted injuries are used as a proxy to measure suicide attempts.